What is the purpose of configuration management in mission-critical systems?

The purpose of configuration management in mission-critical systems is to track system configurations and manage changes effectively. This process is vital to ensure that all components of the system are consistently defined and maintained throughout their lifecycle. By using configuration management, organizations can oversee the interactions between various system components, documenting changes and ensuring that these adjustments do not disrupt the functionality or reliability of the systems.

In mission-critical environments, where downtime or failures can lead to significant repercussions, having precise records of the system's configuration and a clear change management process helps mitigate risks. It also ensures that any modifications can be reversed or audited, providing a safety net against potential issues that could arise from updates or alterations.

The other options address aspects that, while relevant to IT and operations, do not capture the primary goal of configuration management. Software development facilitation, user access monitoring, and customer relations enhancement are important but are distinct from the foundational practice of managing the technical environment's configurations and ensuring stability and consistency throughout system changes.